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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Severe Chills Be Related To Low Potassium Levels?

Could severe chills be related to potassium levels (and not infection)? My husband is on dialysis and generally his potassium levels are low enough that he can have 1/2 a banana or slice of tomato. Last night he had a slice of tomato with his hamburger; about an hour later, he had severe chills. Just wondered if the two were connected. No sign of infection.
Mon, 22 Dec 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

chills are not related to low potassium levels. By far the most common cause of chills or rigor is infection. Anything else would be uncommon or even strange. It rarely happens in allergic reactions.
Low potassium levels may cause weakness and very low levels may cause rhabdomyolysis (which is muscle destruction). I doubt your husband has that low values since dialysis patients are regularly checked for electrolytes.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like more information, please let me know. I'll be glad to answer.

Kind Regards!
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Could Severe Chills Be Related To Low Potassium Levels?

Hello, chills are not related to low potassium levels. By far the most common cause of chills or rigor is infection. Anything else would be uncommon or even strange. It rarely happens in allergic reactions. Low potassium levels may cause weakness and very low levels may cause rhabdomyolysis (which is muscle destruction). I doubt your husband has that low values since dialysis patients are regularly checked for electrolytes. I hope I ve helped! If you d like more information, please let me know. I ll be glad to answer. Kind Regards!